Fears Forest of Dean could be turned into ‘theme park’ after getting biosphere status
There are concerns a bid for Unesco biosphere status in the Forest of Dean could affect traditions, restrict public access and turn the ancient woodland into a “theme park”.
Biosphere reserves status recognises the landscape, wildlife, heritage and learning opportunities in an area. And the Forest of Dean District Council is in the process of applying for the status.
But the Commoners’ Association, who represent people practising the historic tradition to graze sheep and other livestock on the unenclosed woodlands, fear it will lead to more fences being put up for conservation projects.
The District Council say the biosphere status is about recognising the Forest as a “living, working landscape” and it will not introduce new restrictions on land use, access, grazing or traditional practices.
But fences have been put up for environmental projects in the Forest of Dean previously and commoners fear further conservation efforts could lead to more parcelling off of parts of the statutory forest.
Mick Holder, general secretary of the association, said he has not received any communication regarding plans for the biosphere application.
And he believes biosphere status could turn the Forest of Dean into a theme park.
“There’s this story that the majority of the Forest have shown their support,” he said.
“But that’s not quite right. I was born and bred here. I’m deemed to be upfront in the Commoners’ Association and nobody has mentioned it to me.
“What they’re trying to do is turn the Forest of Dean into a theme park.
“Although I don’t object to progress. I don’t want that to be at the cost of the traditions or my heritage.”
Kelvyn Jones, chairman of the association, also said nobody has consulted with them.
“They are talking to their little groups and not coming out to the public,” he said.
“Let the public know they are not going to be able to take their little poochie for a walk.”
And Lucy Lovell, another member of the association, said there have been large areas of the Forest already fenced off for wildlife preservation.
“That disturbs a lot of different aspects, dog walking, tourism, free roaming of sheep, wild boar and deer,” she said.
Kevin Stannard, Deputy Surveyor for the Forest of Dean and Forest Management Director in the West of England, said Forestry England supports the biosphere designation bid.
He said the biosphere reserve concept should not be seen as a restrictive conservation designation but as an “opportunity to reconnect with our land, our heritage, and each other living in harmony with the natural world”.
“By thinking globally and acting locally, we can build strong, resilient connections between people, organisations, businesses and the environment,” he said.
“Together, these connections strengthen our shared sense of place and support a landscape that works for everyone today and into the future.
“Forestry England support the designation of the Forest of Dean as a Biosphere Reserve under Unesco’s Man and Biosphere Programme.
“The programme brings a clear framework to work collaboratively together, to grow our collective understanding of what is special about the Forest so that we can grow a vibrant, healthy and inclusive forest community and sustainable economy for all into the future.
“One that enhances the Forest of Dean as a much-loved landscape and stronghold for nature for generations to come.”
District Council leaders say the biosphere application is a partnership effort to celebrate everything that makes the Forest of Dean unique and are keen to speak directly with the Commoners’ Association.
“We understand the concerns being raised and want to be clear that a Unesco Biosphere designation does not introduce new restrictions on land use, access, grazing or traditional practices,” a council spokesperson said.
“The Forest of Dean Biosphere application is about recognising the Forest as a living, working landscape shaped by its people.
“The Biosphere team is working with Unesco on the UK Living Heritage Inventory, a national initiative designed to recognise and celebrate living cultural traditions. We are committed to ensuring that commoning, free mining and other ancient practices are protected and celebrated as part of this process.
“We have already had discussions with the Verderers and Free Miners and are keen to speak directly with the Commoners’ Association. The Biosphere application is a partnership effort, and we want to celebrate everything that makes the Forest of Dean unique, with local traditions at its heart.”